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Informing Science + IT Education Conference 2003 Proceedings
| Informing Science + IT Education Conference |
| Pori, Finland June 24-27, 2003 |
| A Virtual Learning Environment for Real-World Networking |
| Bruce Kneale and Ilona Box |
| University of Western Sydney, Australia |
| University of Western Sydney, Australia |
| Virtual learning environments are a solution to some of the problems of providing an authentic learning |
| environment. We encountered problems such as lack of funding and physical space, and risks and threats to our |
| network environment when we contemplated providing a real, physical specialist labora-tory to teach computer |
| networking. We solved most of our problems by developing Velnet, a virtual en-vironment for learning |
| networking. Velnet consists of one or more host machines and operating systems, commercial virtual machine |
| software, virtual machines and their operating systems, a virtual network connecting the virtual machines, and |
| remote desktop display software. Our first experiment with Velnet was in a standalone configuration, without |
| remote desktop display. The initial pilot had students con-necting to Velnet via our institution’s network. Velnet |
| performed well under this restricted access envi-ronment. We are developing a virtual reality overlay of Velnet to |
| be able to present computer-networking concepts. We are also investigating the changes we can make to our |
| instructional design and assessment strategies, and the consequent learning experiences of the students. |
| Keywords: virtual learning environment, Velnet, computer networking |
ISSN
1535-07-03
Unless otherwise indicated, this paper has undergone blind external review by three or more reviewers.
Types of Papers: A Best Paper, Regular Paper, Short Paper, Informal Paper,
Unrefereed Panel Paper
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